Despite War, More Nigerians Seek Kuwaiti Visas To Migrate

Despite the raging war in the Middle East following the joint US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the ongoing retaliatory missile attacks on Gulf countries by Iran, more Nigerians are trooping to the embassy of Kuwait, one of the Gulf countries, to seek visas to migrate.

Our correspondent visited the Embassy of Kuwait on Wednesday and observed that young Nigerians in large numbers are queuing to obtain the visa of the oil-rich country, which many believed holds a lot of prospects for them.

Kuwait is one of the Middle East countries that have reportedly shut their airspace because of the torrent of missiles unleashed by the Iranian government in retaliation for the ongoing military campaign started on Saturday by the US and Israel, which killed Iran’s Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and nearly 50 of his top official.

The war has entered its fifth day and the situation is dicey in the Middle East because of escalating missile attacks as flights have been suspended in most countries of the region.

However, these Nigerians appeared unperturbed about this conflict as some of them who spoke to our correspondent visibly showed desperation to leave the country in search of the proverbial greener pasture.

One of them, who gave his name as Richard, told our correspondent that he has made enormous effort to secure the visa and will not hesitate to go to the Gulf country even in the midst of war, adding that his ambition is to work in a lucrative sector to better the living standard of his family.

When reminded that he may not travel yet because of the ongoing conflict, he said, “I just pray that this war ends within the coming week. If not it may lead to frustration on many of us who have secured visas.”

Another visibly disturbed Nigerian, who preferred anonymity, said, “It is unfortunate that the war started when we have made arrangements to travel. But I am not giving up.”

A source within the embassy who does not want his name on print because is not authorized to speak, said the number of Nigerians seeking visas to the country has soared in recent months. He added that nearly 100 people visit the embassy on a daily basis seeking visas and not even the news of war has deterred them.